Hannaford Supermarkets names Diana Darling as Store Manager of the Year
Mar. 11, 2025
Darling was recognized for outstanding leadership as manager of the Portland, Maine Forest Avenue store
Details:
PORTLAND, Maine – Hannaford Supermarkets recently honored Diana Darling as its Store Manager of the Year. Darling, who is the store manager of the Hannaford at 295 Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine was selected as overall Store Manager of the Year from 189 Hannaford stores throughout New England and New York.
Darling has nearly 40 years of retail experience, first joining Hannaford in 1987. Prior to taking the helm at the Forest Avenue store, she served as a deli manager at the same location and later became the store manager at the Falmouth, Maine store.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized as Store Manager of the Year, but I wouldn’t be successful without my team,” said Darling. “I’m so grateful for the tremendous work of my associates and business partners who ensure we deliver excellence for our customers and support our community.”
In receiving the award, Darling was recognized for her compassionate leadership, customer-focused approach, thoughtful associate engagement, and tireless dedication to creating a welcoming environment for everyone in her store.
“Diana leads with integrity, courage and humor,” said Iris Ayotte, Director of Operations at Hannaford Supermarkets. “She has had a profound impact on the lives of associates and customers in her store and her community.”
Noted amongst her accomplishments is Darling’s commitment to breaking down language barriers for customers and associates. This impact extends beyond the Forest Avenue store to others within the greater Portland area.
“We’re extremely grateful for Diana, and our entire team of store managers, for their commitment to excellence and their dedication to demonstrating great leadership, integrity and care for our associates and our customers,” said Todd Bullen, Vice President of Retail Operations at Hannaford Supermarkets. “Our people are what make Hannaford such a welcoming place to work and shop.”
In addition to naming its overall Store Manager of the Year, Hannaford recognized store managers within each of its 13 districts across its five-state market area. The district Store Managers of the Year are listed below:
Eastern Division (Maine and New Hampshire):
District 1: James Redman (Caribou, ME)
District 2: Tim Perry (Bridgton, ME)
District 3: Clint Rackliff (Augusta, ME)
District 4: Diana Darling (Portland, ME)
District 6: David Couture (York, ME)
District 7: Gregg Stryer (Bedford, NH)
District 19: Jeff Goff (Alton, NH)
Western Division (Massachusetts, New York and Vermont):
District 8: Mike Eastman (Williston, VT)
District 9: Ed Basso (Voorheesville, NY)
District 10: Jerrica Frenza (South Glens Falls, NY)
District 18: Frank Terzigni (Modena, NY)
District 20: Tiffany Thibault (North Brookfield, MA)
District 22: Cheryl Rondenelli (Utica, NY)
Each Hannaford Store Manager of the Year is recognized for their stand-out leadership and communication skills; work to motivate others and implement key change initiatives; ability to create a safe and open environment for associates and customers; and ability to provide effective two-way feedback, tools, and learning opportunities to ensure associate growth and development.
About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets operates 189 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. All are committed to offering great fresh food, convenient experiences and everyday low prices. Hannaford also is an active and committed community partner—focusing on fighting hunger, supporting youth development, and helping people live healthier lives. Hannaford is an industry leader in sustainability with a strong commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment. Hannaford diverts or donates all food at risk of going to waste—sending no food to landfills. In 2023, Hannaford donated 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations. Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates and is based in Scarborough, Maine. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.
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Media Contact:
Caitlin Cortelyou
External Communications Manager, Hannaford Supermarkets
207-885-3132